As a precursor to learning how to manage stress, participants are taught how to identify types of negative thinking and the relationships among thoughts, emotions and ways to curb emotional eating. The counselor also stimulates discussion on how failure to take prescribed antidepressants can lead to mood related physical inactivity and other unhealthy health behaviors (e.g., excessive alcohol use; overeating). Participants are taught how to: assess if negative thoughts are accurate; replace inaccurate negative thoughts with accurate thoughts; handle situations in which one can't fix the problem; identify sources of emotional and tangible support and use them effectively; prevent stress; and cope with stress. The intervention also deals with the need for handling lapses and relapses regarding diet, physical activity, depression, and medication adherence. Participants are taught to identify high-risk situations and early warning signs as well as how to use adaptive coping strategies.